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Pandey V, Pandey T. Understanding the bio-crystallization: An insight to therapeutic relevance. Biophys Chem 2024; 308:107216. [PMID: 38479205 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2024.107216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
In the realm of biomedical engineering and materials science, the synthesis of biomaterials plays a pivotal role in advancing therapeutic strategies for regeneration of tissues. The deliberate control of crystallization processes in biomaterial synthesis has emerged as a key avenue for tailoring the properties of these materials, enabling the design of innovative solutions for a wide array of medical applications. This review delves into the interplay between controlled crystallization and biomaterial synthesis, exploring its multifaceted applications in the therapeutic domains. The investigation encompasses a wide spectrum of matrices, ranging from small molecules to large biomolecules, highlighting their unique contributions in modulating crystallization processes. Furthermore, the review critically assesses the analytical techniques and methodologies employed to probe and characterize the depths of crystallization dynamics. Advanced imaging, spectroscopic, and computational tools are discussed in the context of unraveling the intricate mechanisms governing nucleation and crystallization processes within the organic matrix. Finally we delve in the applications of such advance material in therapeutics of hard and soft tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Pandey
- Department of Chemistry, School for Chemical Engineering and Physical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India.
| | - Tejasvi Pandey
- Department of Forensic Sciences, School for Bioengineering and Biosciences Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
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2
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McDonogh DP, Gale JD, Raiteri P, Gebauer D. Redefined ion association constants have consequences for calcium phosphate nucleation and biomineralization. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3359. [PMID: 38637527 PMCID: PMC11026415 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47721-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Calcium orthophosphates (CaPs), as hydroxyapatite (HAP) in bones and teeth are the most important biomineral for humankind. While clusters in CaP nucleation have long been known, their speciation and mechanistic pathways to HAP remain debated. Evidently, mineral nucleation begins with two ions interacting in solution, fundamentally underlying solute clustering. Here, we explore CaP ion association using potentiometric methods and computer simulations. Our results agree with literature association constants for Ca2+ and H2PO4-, and Ca2+ and HPO42-, but not for Ca2+ and PO43- ions, which previously has been strongly overestimated by two orders of magnitude. Our data suggests that the discrepancy is due to a subtle, premature phase separation that can occur at low ion activity products, especially at higher pH. We provide an important revision of long used literature constants, where association of Ca2+ and PO43- actually becomes negligible below pH 9.0, in contrast to previous values. Instead, [CaHPO4]0 dominates the aqueous CaP speciation between pH ~6-10. Consequently, calcium hydrogen phosphate association is critical in cluster-based precipitation in the near-neutral pH regime, e.g., in biomineralization. The revised thermodynamics reveal significant and thus far unexplored multi-anion association in computer simulations, constituting a kinetic trap that further complicates aqueous calcium phosphate speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P McDonogh
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Callinstr. 9, 30167, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julian D Gale
- Curtin Institute for Computation and School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, P.O. Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia
| | - Paolo Raiteri
- Curtin Institute for Computation and School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, P.O. Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia.
| | - Denis Gebauer
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Callinstr. 9, 30167, Hannover, Germany.
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3
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Eslami H, Müller-Plathe F. Self-Assembly Pathways of Triblock Janus Particles into 3D Open Lattices. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306337. [PMID: 37990935 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
The self-assembly of triblock Janus particles is simulated from a fluid to 3D open lattices: pyrochlore, perovskite, and diamond. The coarse-grained model explicitly takes into account the chemical details of the Janus particles (attractive patches at the poles and repulsion around the equator) and it contains explicit solvent particles. Hydrodynamic interactions are accounted for by dissipative particle dynamics. The relative stability of the crystals depends on the patch width. Narrow, intermediate, and wide patches stabilize the pyrochlore-, the perovskite-, and the diamond-lattice, respectively. The nucleation of all three lattices follows a two-step mechanism: the particles first agglomerate into a compact and disordered liquid cluster, which does not crystallize until it has grown to a threshold size. Second, the particles reorient inside this cluster to form crystalline nuclei. The free-energy barriers for the nucleation of pyrochlore and perovskite are ≈10 kBT, which are close to the nucleation barriers of previously studied 2D kagome lattices. The barrier height for the nucleation of diamond, however, is much larger (>20 kBT), as the symmetry of the triblock Janus particles is not perfect for a diamond structure. The large barrier is associated with the reorientation of particles, i.e., the second step of the nucleation mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Eslami
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Persian Gulf University, Boushehr, 75168, Iran
- Eduard-Zintl-Institut für Anorganische und Physikalische Chemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Straße 8, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Florian Müller-Plathe
- Eduard-Zintl-Institut für Anorganische und Physikalische Chemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Straße 8, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
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4
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Avasthi I, Lerner H, Grings J, Gräber C, Schleheck D, Cölfen H. Biodegradable Mineral Plastics. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2300575. [PMID: 37466247 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Mineral plastics are a promising class of bio-inspired materials that offer exceptional properties, like self-heal ability, stretchability in the hydrogel state, and high hardness, toughness, transparency, and non-flammability in the dry state along with reversible transformation into the hydrogel by addition of water. This enables easy reshape-ability and recycling like the solubility in mild acids to subsequently form mineral plastics again by base addition. However, current mineral plastics rely on petrochemistry, are hardly biodegradable, and thus persistent in nature. This work presents the next generation of mineral plastics, which are bio-based and biodegradable, making them a promising, new class of polymers for the development of environmentally friendly materials. Physically cross-linked (poly)glutamic-acid (PGlu)-based mineral plastics are synthesized using various alcohol-water mixtures, metal ion ratios and molecular weights. The rheological properties are easily adjusted using these parameters. The general procedure involves addition of equimolar solution of CaCl2 to PGlu in equal volumes followed by addition of iPrOH (iPrOH:H2O = 1:1) under vigorous stirring conditions. The ready biodegradability of PGlu/CaFe mineral plastic is confirmed in this study where the elements N, Ca, and Fe present in it tend to act as additional nutrients, supporting the growth of microorganisms and consequently, promoting the biodegradation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilesha Avasthi
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätstr. 10, D-78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Harry Lerner
- Microbial Ecology and Limnic Microbiology, Department of Biology, Limnological Institute, University of Konstanz, Universitätstr. 10, D-78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jonas Grings
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätstr. 10, D-78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Carla Gräber
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätstr. 10, D-78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - David Schleheck
- Microbial Ecology and Limnic Microbiology, Department of Biology, Limnological Institute, University of Konstanz, Universitätstr. 10, D-78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Helmut Cölfen
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätstr. 10, D-78457, Konstanz, Germany
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5
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Gindele MB, Vinod-Kumar S, Rochau J, Boemke D, Groß E, Redrouthu VS, Gebauer D, Mathies G. Colloidal pathways of amorphous calcium carbonate formation lead to distinct water environments and conductivity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:80. [PMID: 38167336 PMCID: PMC10761707 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44381-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
CaCO3 is the most abundant biomineral and a major constituent of incrustations arising from water hardness. Polycarboxylates play key roles in controlling mineralization. Herein, we present an analytical and spectroscopic study of polycarboxylate-stabilized amorphous CaCO3 (ACC) and its formation via a dense liquid precursor phase (DLP). Polycarboxylates facilitate pronounced, kinetic bicarbonate entrapment in the DLP. Since bicarbonate is destabilized in the solid state, DLP dehydration towards solid ACC necessitates the formation of locally calcium deficient sites, thereby inhibiting nucleation. Magic-angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of poly-aspartate-stabilized ACC reveals the presence of two distinct environments. The first contains immobile calcium and carbonate ions and structural water molecules, undergoing restricted, anisotropic motion. In the second environment, water molecules undergo slow, but isotropic motion. Indeed, conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) reveals that ACC conducts electrical current, strongly suggesting that the mobile environment pervades the bulk of ACC, with dissolved hydroxide ions constituting the charge carriers. We propose that the distinct environments arise from colloidally stabilized interfaces of DLP nanodroplets, consistent with the pre-nucleation cluster (PNC) pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim B Gindele
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Callinstr. 9, 30167, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sanjay Vinod-Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, 78464, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Johannes Rochau
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Callinstr. 9, 30167, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniel Boemke
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Callinstr. 9, 30167, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eduard Groß
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Callinstr. 9, 30167, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Denis Gebauer
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Callinstr. 9, 30167, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Guinevere Mathies
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, 78464, Konstanz, Germany.
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6
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Li L, Wang X, Yan Y, Francisco JS, Zhang J, Zeng XC, Zhong J. Resolving Temperature-Dependent Hydrate Nucleation Pathway: The Role of "Transition Layer". J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:24166-24174. [PMID: 37874937 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c08246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the nucleation of natural gas hydrate (NGH) at different conditions has important implications to NGH recovery and other industrial applications, such as gas storage and separation. Herein, vast numbers of hydrate nucleation events are traced via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at different degrees of supercooling (or driving forces). Specifically, to precisely characterize a hydrate nucleus from an aqueous system during the MD simulation, we develop an evolutionary order parameter (OP) to recognize the nucleus size and shape. Subsequently, the free energy landscapes of hydrate during nucleation are explored by using the newly developed OP. The results suggest that at 270 K (or 0.92 Tm supercooling, where Tm is the melting point), the near-rounded nucleus prevails during the nucleation, as described from the classical nucleation theory. In contrast, at relatively strong driving forces of 0.85 and 0.88 Tm, nonclassical nucleation events arise. Specifically, the pathway toward an elongated nucleus becomes as important as the pathway toward a near-rounded nucleus. To explain the distinct nucleation phenomena at different supercoolings, a notion of a "transition layer" (or liquid-blob-like layer) is proposed. Here, the transition layer is to describe the interfacial region between the nucleus and aqueous solution, and this layer entails two functionalities: (1) it tends to retain CH4 depending on the degrees of supercooling and (2) it facilitates collision among CH4, which thus promote the incorporation of CH4 into nucleus. Our simulation indicates that compared to the near-rounded nucleus, the transition layer surrounding the elongated nucleus is more evident with the higher collision rate among CH4 molecules. As such, the transition layer tends to promote the elongated nucleus pathway, while offsetting the cost of larger surface free energy associated with the elongated nucleus. At 0.92 Tm, however, the transition layer gradually disappears, and classical nucleation events dominate. Overall, the notion of "transition layer" offers deeper insight into the NGH nucleation at different degrees of supercooling and could be extended to describe other types of hydrate nucleation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Li
- School of Petroleum Engineering and School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, Shandong 266580, China
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- School of Petroleum Engineering and School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, Shandong 266580, China
| | - Youguo Yan
- School of Petroleum Engineering and School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, Shandong 266580, China
| | - Joseph S Francisco
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6316, United States
| | - Jun Zhang
- School of Petroleum Engineering and School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, Shandong 266580, China
| | - Xiao Cheng Zeng
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, United States
| | - Jie Zhong
- School of Petroleum Engineering and School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, Shandong 266580, China
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7
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Rouillard J, Maier B, Cölfen H, García-Ruiz JM. Computational assessment of the potential of cross-catalytic coprecipitating systems for the bottom-up design of nanocomposites. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:6148-6154. [PMID: 37941951 PMCID: PMC10629004 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00271c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The production of nanocomposites is often economically and environmentally costly. Silica-witherite biomorphs, known for producing a wealth of life-like shapes, are nanocomposites entirely formed through self-organization processes. Behind these precipitates are two precipitation reactions that catalyze each other. Using a simple computational approach, we show here that this type of chemical system - defined here as Cross-Catalytic Coprecipitating Systems (CCCSs) - is of great interest to material design. Provided that cross-catalytic effects are sufficient to overcome the precipitation thresholds for each phase, all CCCSs can be expected to self-organize into nanocomposite materials through a one-pot, one-step synthesis protocol. Symmetry-breaking events generating various complex, ordered textures are predicted in CCCSs involving crystalline phases. While high levels of stochasticity lead to a loss of ordering, coprecipitation is found to be robust to diffusion or advection in the solution. This model shows that a couple of chemical reactions can generate a range of complex textures - with possibly distinct physical/chemical properties. Cross-catalytic coprecipitating systems consequently represent a promising avenue for producing nanocomposites with complex textures at reduced economic and environmental costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joti Rouillard
- CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environments, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China Jinzhai Road 96 230026 Hefei China
| | - Britta Maier
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10 78457 Konstanz Germany
| | - Helmut Cölfen
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10 78457 Konstanz Germany
| | - Juan-Manuel García-Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Estudios Cristalográficos, Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra, CSIC-Universidad de Granada Av. de las Palmeras, 4, 18100 Armilla Granada Spain
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8
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Chen Z, Fan Q, Zhou J, Wang X, Huang M, Jiang H, Cölfen H. Toward Understanding the Formation Mechanism and OER Catalytic Mechanism of Hydroxides by In Situ and Operando Techniques. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023:e202309293. [PMID: 37650657 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202309293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Developing efficient and affordable electrocatalysts for the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a significant barrier that needs to be overcome for the practical applications of hydrogen production via water electrolysis, transforming CO2 to value-added chemicals, and metal-air batteries. Recently, hydroxides have shown promise as electrocatalysts for OER. In situ or operando techniques are particularly indispensable for monitoring the key intermediates together with understanding the reaction process, which is extremely important for revealing the formation/OER catalytic mechanism of hydroxides and preparing cost-effective electrocatalysts for OER. However, there is a lack of comprehensive discussion on the current status and challenges of studying these mechanisms using in situ or operando techniques, which hinders our ability to identify and address the obstacles present in this field. This review offers an overview of in situ or operando techniques, outlining their capabilities, advantages, and disadvantages. Recent findings related to the formation mechanism and OER catalytic mechanism of hydroxides revealed by in situ or operando techniques are also discussed in detail. Additionally, some current challenges in this field are concluded and appropriate solution strategies are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongkun Chen
- University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
- Current address: Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Stiftstraße 34-36, 45470, Mülheim an der, Ruhr, Germany
| | - Qiqi Fan
- University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jian Zhou
- University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Xingkun Wang
- Laboratory of Functional Membrane Material and Membrane Technology, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266101, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Minghua Huang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, 266100, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Heqing Jiang
- Laboratory of Functional Membrane Material and Membrane Technology, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266101, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Helmut Cölfen
- University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
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9
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Mahadevan G, Brahma RK, Kini RM, Valiyaveettil S. Purification of Intramineral Peptides from Cuttlebones and In Vitro Activity in CaCO 3 Biomineralization. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:7249-7257. [PMID: 37201193 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c03433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Living organisms develop functional hard structures such as teeth, bones, and shells from calcium salts through mineralization for managing vital functions to sustain life. However, the exact mechanism or role of biomolecules such as proteins and peptides in the biomineralization process to form defect-free hierarchical structures in nature is poorly understood. In this study, we have extracted, purified, and characterized five major peptides (CBP1-CBP5) from the soluble organic materials (SOMs) of cuttlefish bone (CB) and used for the in vitro mineralization of calcium carbonate crystals. The SOMs induced nucleation of the calcite phase at low concentrations and the vaterite phase at high concentrations. The purified peptides nucleated calcite crystals and enhanced aggregation under laboratory conditions. Among five peptides, only CBP2 and CBP3 showed concentration-dependent nucleation, aggregation, and morphological changes of the calcite crystals within 12 h. Circular dichroism studies showed that the peptides CBP2 and CBP3 are in alpha helix and β-sheet conformation, respectively, in solution. CBP1 and CBP4 and CBP5 are in random coil and β-sheet conformation, respectively. In addition, the peptides showed different sizes in solution in the absence (∼27 nm, low aggregation) and presence (∼118 nm, high aggregation) of calcium ions. Aragonite crystals with needle-type morphologies were nucleated in the presence of Mg2+ ions in solution. Overall, exploring the activities of such intramineral peptides from CB help to unravel the mechanism of calcium salt deposition in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gomathi Mahadevan
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Rajeev Kungur Brahma
- Department of Biological Sciences, 14 science drive 4, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - R Manjunatha Kini
- Department of Biological Sciences, 14 science drive 4, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Suresh Valiyaveettil
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
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10
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Asselman K, Haouas M, Houlleberghs M, Radhakrishnan S, Wangermez W, Kirschhock CEA, Breynaert E. Does Water Enable Porosity in Aluminosilicate Zeolites? Porous Frameworks versus Dense Minerals. CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN 2023; 23:3338-3348. [PMID: 37159660 PMCID: PMC10161221 DOI: 10.1021/acs.cgd.2c01476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Recently identified zeolite precursors consisting of concentrated, hyposolvated homogeneous alkalisilicate liquids, hydrated silicate ionic liquids (HSIL), minimize correlation of synthesis variables and enable one to isolate and examine the impact of complex parameters such as water content on zeolite crystallization. HSIL are highly concentrated, homogeneous liquids containing water as a reactant rather than bulk solvent. This simplifies elucidation of the role of water during zeolite synthesis. Hydrothermal treatment at 170 °C of Al-doped potassium HSIL with chemical composition 0.5SiO2:1KOH:xH2O:0.013Al2O3 yields porous merlinoite (MER) zeolite when H2O/KOH exceeds 4 and dense, anhydrous megakalsilite when H2O/KOH is lower. Solid phase products and precursor liquids were fully characterized using XRD, SEM, NMR, TGA, and ICP analysis. Phase selectivity is discussed in terms of cation hydration as the mechanism, allowing a spatial cation arrangement enabling the formation of pores. Under water deficient conditions, the entropic penalty of cation hydration in the solid is large and cations need to be entirely coordinated by framework oxygens, leading to dense, anhydrous networks. Hence, the water activity in the synthesis medium and the affinity of a cation to either coordinate to water or to aluminosilicate decides whether a porous, hydrated, or a dense, anhydrous framework is formed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karel Asselman
- Centre
for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis-Characterisation and Application
Team (COK-KAT), KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium
| | - Mohamed Haouas
- Institut
Lavoisier de Versailles, Université
Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, CNRS, 78000 Versailles, France
| | - Maarten Houlleberghs
- Centre
for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis-Characterisation and Application
Team (COK-KAT), KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium
| | - Sambhu Radhakrishnan
- Centre
for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis-Characterisation and Application
Team (COK-KAT), KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium
- NMRCoRe-NMR-X-Ray
platform for Convergence Research, KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium
| | - Wauter Wangermez
- Centre
for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis-Characterisation and Application
Team (COK-KAT), KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium
| | - Christine E. A. Kirschhock
- Centre
for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis-Characterisation and Application
Team (COK-KAT), KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium
| | - Eric Breynaert
- Centre
for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis-Characterisation and Application
Team (COK-KAT), KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium
- NMRCoRe-NMR-X-Ray
platform for Convergence Research, KU Leuven, Leuven 3001, Belgium
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11
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Sowoidnich T, Damidot D, Ludwig HM, Germroth J, Rosenberg R, Cölfen H. The nucleation of C-S-H via prenucleation clusters. J Chem Phys 2023; 158:114309. [PMID: 36948802 DOI: 10.1063/5.0141255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleation and growth of calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) is of fundamental importance for the strength development and durability of the concrete. However, the nucleation process of C-S-H is still not fully understood. The present work investigates how C-S-H nucleates by analyzing the aqueous phase of hydrating tricalcium silicate (C3S) by applying inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy as well as analytical ultracentrifugation. The results show that the C-S-H formation follows non-classical nucleation pathways associated with the formation of prenucleation clusters (PNCs) of two types. Those PNCs are detected with high accuracy and reproducibility and are two species of the 10 in total, from which the ions (with associated water molecules) are the majority of the species. The evaluation of the density and molar mass of the species shows that the PNCs are much larger than ions, but the nucleation of C-S-H starts with the formation of liquid precursor C-S-H (droplets) with low density and high water content. The growth of these C-S-H droplets is associated with a release of water molecules and a reduction in size. The study gives experimental data on the size, density, molecular mass, and shape and outlines possible aggregation processes of the detected species.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sowoidnich
- Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, F.A. Finger-Institute for Building Materials Science, Coudraystr. 11, 99423 Weimar, Germany
| | - D Damidot
- IMT Nord Europe, Institut Mines-Télécom, University Lille, Centre for Materials and Processes Centre, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - H-M Ludwig
- Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, F.A. Finger-Institute for Building Materials Science, Coudraystr. 11, 99423 Weimar, Germany
| | - J Germroth
- University of Konstanz, Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - R Rosenberg
- University of Konstanz, Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - H Cölfen
- University of Konstanz, Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
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12
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Göppert AK, González-Rubio G, Schnitzlein S, Cölfen H. A Nanoparticle-Based Model System for the Study of Heterogeneous Nucleation Phenomena. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:3580-3588. [PMID: 36862982 PMCID: PMC10018769 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c03034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Heterogeneous nucleation processes are involved in many important phenomena in nature, including devastating human diseases caused by amyloid structures or the harmful frost formed on fruits. However, understanding them is challenging due to the difficulties of characterizing the initial stages of the process occurring at the interface between the nucleation medium and the substrate surfaces. This work implements a model system based on gold nanoparticles to investigate the effect of particle surface chemistry and substrate properties on heterogeneous nucleation processes. Using widely available techniques such as UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy and light microscopy, gold nanoparticle-based superstructure formation was studied in the presence of substrates with different hydrophilicity and electrostatic charges. The results were evaluated on grounds of classical nucleation theory (CNT) to reveal kinetic and thermodynamic contributions of the heterogeneous nucleation process. In contrast to nucleation from ions, the kinetic contributions toward nucleation turned out to be larger than the thermodynamic contributions for the nanoparticle building blocks. Electrostatic interactions between substrates and nanoparticles with opposite charges were crucial to enhancing the nucleation rates and decreasing the nucleation barrier of superstructure formation. Thereby, the described strategy is demonstrated advantageous for characterizing physicochemical aspects of heterogeneous nucleation processes in a simple and accessible manner, which could be potentially explored to study more complex nucleation phenomena.
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Asselman K, Vandenabeele D, Pellens N, Doppelhammer N, Kirschhock CE, Breynaert E. Structural Aspects Affecting Phase Selection in Inorganic Zeolite Synthesis. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2022; 34:11081-11092. [PMID: 36590702 PMCID: PMC9798827 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.2c03204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A guideline for zeolite phase selection in inorganic synthesis media is proposed, based on a systematic exploration of synthesis from inorganic media using liquid Na+, K+, and Cs+ aluminosilicate. Although the Si/Al ratio of the zeolites is a continuous function of the synthesis conditions, boundaries between topologies are sharp. The here-derived phase selection criterion relates the obtained zeolite topology to the Si/Al ratio imposed by the synthesis medium. For a given Si/Al ratio, the framework with the highest occupation of topologically available cation sites is favored. The large number of published zeolite syntheses supporting the observation provides strong indication that the concept is applicable in a larger context. The proposed criterion explains how minor variations in the composition of inorganic synthesis media induce the commonly occurring, abrupt changes in topology. It highlights underlying reasons causing the strict demarcation of stability fields of the as-synthesized zeolites experimentally observed in inorganic synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karel Asselman
- Center
for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis—Characterisation and Application
Team (COK-KAT), KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Leuven3000, Belgium
| | - Dries Vandenabeele
- Center
for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis—Characterisation and Application
Team (COK-KAT), KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Leuven3000, Belgium
| | - Nick Pellens
- Center
for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis—Characterisation and Application
Team (COK-KAT), KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Leuven3000, Belgium
| | - Nikolaus Doppelhammer
- Center
for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis—Characterisation and Application
Team (COK-KAT), KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Leuven3000, Belgium
- Institute
for Microelectronics and Microsystems, JKU
Linz, Linz4040, Austria
| | - Christine E.A. Kirschhock
- Center
for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis—Characterisation and Application
Team (COK-KAT), KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Leuven3000, Belgium
| | - Eric Breynaert
- Center
for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis—Characterisation and Application
Team (COK-KAT), KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Leuven3000, Belgium
- NMR-Xray
Platform for Convergence Research (NMRCoRe), KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Leuven3000, Belgium
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14
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Roy S, Bocharova V, Stack AG, Bryantsev VS. Nucleation Rate Theory for Coordination Number: Elucidating Water-Mediated Formation of a Zigzag Na 2SO 4 Morphology. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:53213-53227. [PMID: 36395432 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c17475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Predicting and controlling nanostructure formation during nucleation can pave the way to synthesizing novel energy materials via crystallization. However, such control over nucleation and crystallization remains challenging due to an inadequate understanding of critical factors that govern evolving atomistic structures and dynamics. Herein, we utilize coordination number as a reaction coordinate and rate theory to investigate how sodium sulfate, commonly known as a phase-change energy material, nucleates in a supersaturated aqueous solution. In conjunction with ab initio and force field-based molecular dynamics simulation, the rate theoretical analysis reveals that sodium sulfate from an initially dissolved metastable state transits to a heterogeneous mixture of prenucleated clusters and finally to a large cylindrical zigzag morphology. Measurements of Raman spectra and their ab initio modeling confirm that this nucleated morphology contains a few waters for every sulfate. Rate processes such as solvent exchange and desolvation exhibit high sensitivity to the evolving prenucleation/nucleation structures, providing a means to distinguish between critical nucleation precursors. Desolvation and forming the first-shell interionic coordination structure via monomer-by-monomer addition around sulfates are found to explain the formation of large nuclei. Thus, a detailed understanding of the step-by-step structure formation across scales has been achieved. This can be leveraged to predict nucleation-related structures and dynamics and potentially control the synthesis of novel phase-change materials for energy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santanu Roy
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee37830, United States
| | - Vera Bocharova
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee37830, United States
| | - Andrew G Stack
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee37830, United States
| | - Vyacheslav S Bryantsev
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee37830, United States
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Mao LB, Meng YF, Meng XS, Yang B, Yang YL, Lu YJ, Yang ZY, Shang LM, Yu SH. Matrix-Directed Mineralization for Bulk Structural Materials. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:18175-18194. [PMID: 36162119 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c07296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mineral-based bulk structural materials (MBSMs) are known for their long history and extensive range of usage. The inherent brittleness of minerals poses a major problem to the performance of MBSMs. To overcome this problem, design principles have been extracted from natural biominerals, in which the extraordinary mechanical performance is achieved via the hierarchical organization of minerals and organics. Nevertheless, precise and efficient fabrication of MBSMs with bioinspired hierarchical structures under mild conditions has long been a big challenge. This Perspective provides a panoramic view of an emerging fabrication strategy, matrix-directed mineralization, which imitates the in vivo growth of some biominerals. The advantages of the strategy are revealed by comparatively analyzing the conventional fabrication techniques of artificial hierarchically structured MBSMs and the biomineral growth processes. By introducing recent advances, we demonstrate that this strategy can be used to fabricate artificial MBSMs with hierarchical structures. Particular attention is paid to the mass transport and the precursors that are involved in the mineralization process. We hope this Perspective can provide some inspiring viewpoints on the importance of biomimetic mineralization in material fabrication and thereby spur the biomimetic fabrication of high-performance MBSMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Bo Mao
- Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale; Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.,Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.,Anhui Engineering Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yu-Feng Meng
- Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale; Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Xiang-Sen Meng
- Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale; Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale; Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yu-Lu Yang
- Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale; Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yu-Jie Lu
- Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Zhong-Yuan Yang
- Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale; Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Li-Mei Shang
- Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale; Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Shu-Hong Yu
- Division of Nanomaterials & Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale; Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biomimetic Materials & Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.,Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.,Anhui Engineering Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
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Molecular Mechanism of Organic Crystal Nucleation: A Perspective of Solution Chemistry and Polymorphism. CRYSTALS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/cryst12070980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Crystal nucleation determining the formation and assembly pathway of first organic materials is the central science of various scientific disciplines such as chemical, geochemical, biological, and synthetic materials. However, our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of nucleation remains limited. Over the past decades, the advancements of new experimental and computational techniques have renewed numerous interests in detailed molecular mechanisms of crystal nucleation, especially structure evolution and solution chemistry. These efforts bifurcate into two categories: (modified) classical nucleation theory (CNT) and non-classical nucleation mechanisms. In this review, we briefly introduce the two nucleation mechanisms and summarize current molecular understandings of crystal nucleation that are specifically applied in polymorphic crystallization systems of small organic molecules. Many important aspects of crystal nucleation including molecular association, solvation, aromatic interactions, and hierarchy in intermolecular interactions were examined and discussed for a series of organic molecular systems. The new understandings relating to molecular self-assembly in nucleating systems have suggested more complex multiple nucleation pathways that are associated with the formation and evolution of molecular aggregates in solution.
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